Charlene M. Hiltunen

Charlene M. Hiltunen, age 61, of Baraga, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

She was born on September 16, 1939 in L'Anse, daughter of Melford and Rita (Miron) LeClaire. Charlene grew up in Baraga and graduated from Baraga High School in 1957. She married Richard Hiltunen on May 21, 1960 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Charlene was a teacher's aide for the Baraga Area Schools for about 20 years, retiring in 1999. She enjoyed reading books, baking, shopping, and crafts. She was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Charlene loved her family and was a great wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Richard of Baraga; mother Rita LeClaire of Baraga; five sons, Dennis of State College, PA, Steve (Michele) of West Olive, MI, Richard Jr. (Tina) of Lakeville, MN, Brian (Ann) of Janesville, WI, and Larry of Rochester Hills, MI; four brothers, James (Carol) LeClaire of L'Anse, Leonard, Doug, and Paul LeClaire all of Baraga; five sisters, Kathryn (Lance) Heikkinen of Baraga, Mary (Gary) Glover of Chicago, IL, Carol (Stu) Hamacher of Norway, MI, Joanne LeClaire of Baraga, and Lorraine (Raymond) Maki of Baraga; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Melford LeClaire, and two brothers Pete and Joe LeClaire.

The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home, and on Monday from 10-11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's. Fr. George Joseph will officiate. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.